Chicago jail officers accused in beating of inmate

CHICAGO – Two officers at the Cook County Jail are accused of having two jailed men beat another inmate.

Prosecutors said correctional officers Pamela Bruce, 29, and Delphia Sawyer, 31, ordered the February 2012 attack after the victim shouted insults at them.

Bruce and Sawyer were charged with felony official misconduct, perjury, mob action and obstruction of justice. They were freed on bond Friday.

The officers are accused of letting two larger inmates into the man's cell, where they beat him in the face and head. Authorities said the two officers also joined the attack, hitting the inmate with their radios and kicking him.

In a court filing, Assistant Cook County State's Attorney Nicholas Trutenko stated the attack lasted between three and five minutes. Afterward, Bruce and Sawyer told other inmates "This is what happens to you [expletive] when you step out of line. You disrespect us, we disrespect you," Trutenko said.

Prosecutors said the officers lied to their supervisor about how the inmate got his injuries, saying they were self-inflicted in a suicide attempt. They also gave the same account when they completed paperwork on the incident and while testifying before a grand jury.